The event began in 2001 partly as a response to the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam’s rising popularity — and price. A raffle at the event will include items such as $100 gift certificate to Carmel’s Kitchen and Bar, a glass necklace from In the Light Glassworks, a one-night stay and breakfast at Aloft Downtown Asheville, hand-thrown bowls from Macadoo Pottery, a massage from Carmen Carmen Prestige Salon and more.

“I started the first Hometown Holiday Jam in 2001 as a way to bring local musicians and friends together at the holidays, play and hear some great music, and to reunite old acquaintances and make new ones,” says Hometown Holiday Jam Organizer Rick Phillips. “Being able to also raise money for some great local charities at the same time makes it even more special. I don’t have an exact figure on what we’ve raised over the years but its probably somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000.”

Raffle tickets are $1 each or $8 for 10. Proceeds from the event go to Mission Children’s Hospital and MANNA FoodBank.

“We get anywhere from $500-800 each year from the Hometown Holiday Jam,” says Director of Communications and Marketing for MANNA FoodBank Becky Upham. “These funds are not earmarked for any one department, but 94 cents of every dollar go directly for food or services to end hunger.

“With every dollar donated to MANNA we can provide food for three meals,” she continues. “So we hope that the Jam will be able to provide around 2,000 meals for our neighbors in need this holiday season.”